Six Ways to Throw a Corporate Event
Whether it’s a product launch or a holiday party, planning a corporate event is not an easy thing to do. However, a great event can strengthen your relationships and showcase your brand in a way that nothing else can. It can also boost team morale, because who doesn’t want to go to a party to really impress your guests?
And to make the event feel like more than just another date on the calendar, you have to do so much more than just have a catered lunch with a PowerPoint presentation. So here are 6 essential tips to help you throw a corporate event that is polished, purposeful and actually fun
Pick the right venue.
It’s all about location. The space that you pick for your venue sets the entire tone for your event, and corporate events always go off without a hitch when the right corporate venues are selected in the first place. You want something that fits your brand, suits the audience, and supports the type of event you’re looking to create. Whether it’s a formal, casual, creative, or celebratory event, you need to find venues. Flexibility, strong AV capabilities and amenities like on-site catering or breakout rooms. Whatever it is you need, you need to find the venue first.
Define your event goals.
What is this event for? It’s so much easier to choose a venue and even choose the catering when you know what the event is for in the fair space. Clear goals can shape every other decision that you make for your event, from who you invite to how to set up the room. You need this benchmark to help you measure your success when the event is over as well. With no goal, you have no direction.
Plan activities.
Of course, this is not going to matter if you’re throwing an actual party that people will be mingling at, dancing at, and having a drink at, but nothing kills a vibe like a schedule that’s too rigid or, worse, too dull. If your corporate event is going to be more like a networking event, break up the formalities with interactive elements. Think games and breakout discussions, or even networking activities. You could bring in guest speakers if it’s appropriate, or host a panel to add value for your guests.
Make it easy for guests to enjoy.
From the moment that your guests receive an invite to an event, the experience should be a smooth one. All the key details are important on digital invites, but paper details are also quite a nice touch. Provide clear directions and parking information as well as any dress code guidelines. During the event, there should be signage, name tags and a welcoming check-in process.
Don’t skip out on the catering.
Food and drink matter way more than anyone thinks they do. Whether it’s a full dinner or a cocktail-style reception, the quality of the catering can make a big impression. There are always bonus points if you include something fun, like a signature drink that matches your theme or your brand.
Don’t forget to take photos.
This one is self-explanatory, but photos matter when it comes to a corporate event. If you want it to be memorable, then you need to give something out to remember. Photos sent as a thank you after the event has happened will make everybody feel like they were part of something.
This is a collaborative post.
